Lighting plays a serious role in interior design and can transform a room into something exceptional. Conversely, a bad lighting scheme can make a room feel cold, bland and boring. At K R Interior Design we believe that good lighting is essential to the success of any interior design project.

Bedrooms are the primary place of relaxation where we fall asleep and where we wake up in the morning. The lighting design has to accommodate the need for bright light in the morning to promote energy for the day ahead and an intimate and relaxed mood to promote rest and sleep at night.

As with all lighting design lights should be layered to create interest and multi functional options. There are various ways that this can be achieved, using downlights, uplights, accent lighting, task lights and bedside lamps.

In this master bedroom in St John’s Wood, uplights have been used behind the frame for a padded wall. This is a good way to introduce a general background light with uplight.

In the bespoke dressing room we have used rail lights inside the wardrobe. This features a light built into the clothes rail which automatically turns on when the wardrobe door opens, making it easier to see the clothes inside. This small attention to detail creates a simple practical solution.

There are so many amazing lamps available that it is easy to find one that will fit into any interior design project.

In the first image we have used the Kartell Cindy Lamp. The conical shade and matching teardrop base works brilliantly with the contemporary interior design ‘feel’ that our client requested.

In the second image we have used a beautiful lamp from CTO lighting. The bronze and satin brass bass with a silk shade fitted perfectly into the luxury interior design that our client was looking for. The soft light that it produces reflects beautifully against the bespoke silk headboard.

Apart from all the different sources of lights that are available the most important thing to remember is to use different circuits so that all lights can be used independently from each other and a control panel. There are many different types of control panels but even the most simple dimmer located next to the bed can make an enormous difference.

Here we have fitted a simple dimmer switch into the bespoke silk headboard.

Creative lighting can transform a room, altering perceptions of light and space; define zones and create focal points.

The presence of light in not just a matter of functional necessity, it plays an essential role in defining the mood and ambience. Lighting when used well can enhance the interiors and bring a house to life.

Good lighting design is not just about selecting great light fittings that work with the interior design. It does not matter how much money you spend on fixtures and fittings, without good design the look will not be as striking or functional as it could have been.

When deciding on the interior design of our homes lighting is often not considered until late in the project. It is only when the decorating is almost finished that it becomes obvious that the lights are in the wrong place or there are not enough sockets! This is why it is important that the interior design and lighting is implemented at the early stages of the design project.

Employing a professional at the start of a project will ensure that the lighting is beautifully designed and no expensive construction and equipment mistakes are made.

Luxury Bedroom Design

As you can see from this image of the Master Bedroom there is a lot of planning to be taken into account before any furniture or fittings are installed.

Luxury Kitchen Design

By creating different layers of light this bespoke kitchen is atmospheric and mood enhancing as well as practical.

Bespoke Bathroom Design

Again, using different layers of lights and a combination of fittings this luxury bathroom has the perfect lighting scheme.

It was very exciting as they specified the new Mu range from Dedon that was not even in the shops yet so the clients got furniture ‘hot off the press’.

It ticked all the boxes – comfortable, elegant and contemporary!

Another exciting piece from Dedon is the Nestrest.  This can be hung from a tree or perched on the ground.  It really does give the sense of being in a birds’ nest with dappled light shining through.  Amazing concept!

As the house could comfortably take 10 adults and 6 children it was important that the outside eating areas could accommodate these numbers.

This was implemented by using the Manutti Trento dining tables which nearly reached 3 metres and the Vigo dining chair from Gloster.

In another eating area a bespoke table was made by a local artisan in solid oak along with 2 benches.  6 white Chylium dining chairs from the Modern Garden Company completed the look.

As the family needed some shade to escape to the Eclipse Relaxer was chosen which is a very comfortable large piece with a sail.

By the pool the most luxurious but contemporary loungers were specified –The double Gandio Blasca Chill Sun lounger along with the Manuit Liner lounger.

The whole contemporary design was finished off by incorporating the Geo Pots from Capital Garden – 42 to be exact!

The rug took just under 24 weeks to make so it was an important day!  The clients love it and said that is was ‘almost like it was always going to be there!’

There is something very special about having a piece made specifically for a space, as the quote suggests.  There is always a moment of excitement as it is being ‘unveiled’ even though meticulous attention has been made with measurements, colours, textures etc. there is nothing like seeing the end product.    Result, the clients loved it so K R Interior Design are happy!

Before and after shot.  It has completely transformed the room and brought all elements of the design together.

As with any interior design it is important to keep going back to the original brief from the client.  What was it they wanted? A bespoke and luxury interior design.

This image shows a comfortable bath (Stone One) from CP Hart.  The design brief was to create a contemporary bathroom with a large walk in shower and plenty of storage.  They wanted a calm natural feel so we used 3 types of different stone tiles to achieve a stunning contemporary design.  We incorporated a feature wall that was lit up to show the subtle texture of the mini glacier stone, all from Stone Age.

Our clients wanted to use contemporary, good quality fixtures and fittings.

We sourced some of the best taps from Dornbracht and chose the Mem range.

These are contemporary but not too angular.

Here are a couple of images of interesting bathroom lights.  As they always have to pass regulations bathroom lights tend to be a bit boring.  These show a bit of luxury.

Niche lighting is important to create subtle layers of light.  See these –

Floor lights also achieve another layer which can look great say, behind a bath

These are flush floor lights suitable for zone 1.

Here is a good example of layered lighting design.  There are 3 different light sources here as well as the overhead spot lights.  We have the floor lights behind the bath, the invisible lights under the bespoke mirror cabinets and also the lights under the vanity unit which gives a glow to the natural stone flooring.

The surface of the vanity unit was cut in one piece to match the natural stone on the walls, again providing a contemporary, bespoke interior design.

This was the first year that KR Interior Design entered the KBB Awards.

We decided to enter a bathroom in the £10,000 – £25,000 Category.

Entries had to be in by the end of October and we received a very welcoming phone call on our return from the Christmas break from Anna Liddle who is Events Executive for KBB.  She informed us that we were among 1 of the four finalists for our category.  How exciting!

Presentations took place at the RIBA building in Portland Place, London on the 2^nd February in front of 4 judges.

The building is an amazing 1930’s Art Deco structure with it’s extremely high ceilings, lots of glass and many architectural features.  It’s no wonder wedding receptions are now held there!

It was a relaxed affair, firstly meeting in the Café upstairs and then being escorted to another floor where the judges were waiting.  The presentation only lasted about 15 minutes but it was an important 15 minutes for K R Interior Design!

The winner will be announced on the 5^th March at a black tie ceremony held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.  This is a prestigious award so fingers crossed for Amanda and Marina!!

.